USA > New York > Genesee County > History of the Genesee country (western New York) comprising the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates, Volume III > Part 45
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SPALDING EVANS.
The death of a man of resourceful business ability, of substantial achievement, of kindly nature and pronounced public spirit, is always a distinct loss to a community. Such a man was Spalding Evans, who passed away in Lockport, March 11, 1923, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was long a prominent figure in industrial, financial and social circles of the city and his was a successful career in the highest sense of the term. His life was guided by the principles of truth and honor and his memory is cherished by all with whom he was associated. He was born in Lockport, January 24, 1854, and his parents were Charles and Alice Jane (Spalding) Evans, the former of Welsh lineage and the latter of English ancestry. The family has had a long identi- fication with the history of western New York. His grandfather, David E. Evans, and a great-great-uncle, Joseph Ellicott, were agents for the original Holland Land Company. His father was born in Batavia, New York, June 5, 1821, and the mother was born in Lockport, May 1, 1826.
Spalding Evans was graduated from De Veaux College in June, 1872, and after- ward entered Hobart College, but did not complete his course in that institution. He was a student throughout his life and possessed a large and carefully selected library, containing between five and six thousand volumes. A broad reader and deep thinker, he was constantly adding to his store of knowledge and was never happier than when among his books. He resided for some time in Buffalo and first engaged in the transportation business, subsequently becoming a manufacturer of wool. His business was conducted under the name of Evans & Company and in its operation he displayed initiative, foresight and executive ability of a high order. He was the founder and builder of one of the large productive industries of western New York and also took a keen interest in financial affairs, serving for many years as one of the directors of the Niagara County Bank.
In Lockport, on August 20, 1879, Mr. Evans was married to Miss Mary Anna Buck, who was born in that city, January 27, 1857, a daughter of John Hildreth and Harriet (Fletcher) Buck. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Mary Hale Evans, was born September 5, 1880, and on June 23, 1904, became the wife of Richard Evans Norton, and they have two daughters, Nancy Evans Norton and Caroline Harper Nor- ton, and reside in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia.
Mr. Evans was a lifelong democrat and in 1895 was appointed postmaster of Lockport by President Cleveland. He filled that office until 1899, discharging his duties faithfully and efficiently. He aided in organizing the Tuscarora Club and the Lockport Country Club, with which he was connected until his death, taking a promi- nent part in their activities. Mr. Evans was affiliated with Grace Episcopal church of Lockport and shaped his actions in harmony with its teachings. He had the wel- fare of his city deeply at heart and was ever ready to further any plans for its improvement. He possessed a strong sense of duty and honor and enjoyed to the fullest extent the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens.
The following, written by a long time friend, the president of the Grosvenor Library, Buffalo, appeared in the Grosvenor Library Bulletin, in March, 1923:
"It is with exceeding grief we inform the readers of the Bulletin that since our last issue Spalding Evans of Lockport, New York, on March 11, passed to the great beyond.
"Mr. Evans was the most eminent bibliophile in western New York; not only a true lover of the printed volume on account of its technical, mechanical and artistic make-up, but a collector of the best of the world's literature, intimately familiar with the text and contents of his library. He was the ideal exemplification of all that the term 'bibliophile' implies, a refined, cultured gentleman of modest mien, possessing a rare sense of humor, and a discriminating collector who understood and appreciated every element relating to the technique of the craft.
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"His library is one of the most complete and attractive ever assembled, of the intimate association type. First editions are in abundance, the result of personal search and individual quest. Autographs and manuscripts are seen in variety, as well as the personally extra-illustrated volumes bound in rare Moroccos and Levants, with splendid examples of inlays and toolings of the master binders.
"Many of us who were favored will always remember the library presided over by its hospitable master with rare grace and charm and will recall the generous welcome extended to the amateur seeking information about books. The graduates are numerous who were stimulated and inspired from observation and suggestion cheerfully imparted by the fascinating, erudite host.
"Mr. Evans is survived by a devoted wife, daughter and grandchildren, all of whom share in the love and appreciation of good books. Unlike many famous librar- ies, this one will not be dispersed but will be retained intact and will 'carry on' in memoriam, dedicated to a true gentleman and the perfect bibliophile."
GILBERT TRAVER AMSDEN.
For more than a century members of the Amsden family have been closely and prominently identified with the history of Rochester, and the work begun by the father and grandfather is being continued by Gilbert Traver Amsden, who is con- tributing his quota toward the commercial prosperity of the city by the successful management of a large insurance business. He was born July 14, 1879, a son of Frank J. and Ida F. (Bennett) Amsden, the latter a native of Canandaigua, New York. The paternal grandfather, Christopher T., opened the first store in the Powers building in 1870, where he conducted an insurance, steamship and railroad ticket busi- ness. He was one of the early pioneers of Rochester, arriving here in 1816, when the Genesee country was largely a wilderness and Indians roamed through the dense forests. His son, Frank J. Amsden, was born in this city and became one of its fore- most business men. He was long a forceful factor in financial affairs, conducting a private bank in the Powers block, and also built up a large business in marine insur- ance. He was a man of sterling integrity, whose life was as an open book which all might read, and many were proud to call him friend. He passed away July 7, 1909, and the mother's death occurred on November 14, 1917.
Gilbert Traver Amsden obtained his early education in school No. 15 at Rochester, also receiving instruction from private tutors, and later completed a course in account- ing at Bradstreet's Business College. He next entered the Phillips Andover Academy at Andover, Massachusetts, from which he was graduated with the class of 1898, and after his return to Rochester he became associated with his father in his various busi- ness activities. Since the latter's death Mr. Amsden has successfully conducted the insurance business which he had established and is sole owner of the enterprise, which is operated under the name of the Gilbert T. Amsden Company. He is a capable, far- sighted and enterprising business man and has proven a worthy successor of his father, bringing additional prestige to the family name by his close observance of a high code of honor.
In Rochester, on June 1, 1904, Mr. Amsden was married to Miss Louise A. Pitkin, a daughter of William Pitkin. Mr. and Mrs. Amsden have a son: Robert, who was born October 26, 1918. Mr. Amsden is a consistent member of St. Paul's Episcopal church and a republican in his political convictions. He is an energetic member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and also belongs to the Genesee Valley Club, the Oak Hill Country Club and the Rochester Automobile Club. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity and exemplifies in his life the beneficent teachings of the order. His residence is on Landing road, Brighton.
CHARLES DENTON CROMWELL, M. D.
Dr. Charles Denton Cromwell, physician for the Retsof Mining Company, is thor- oughly appreciative of the responsibilities of his chosen vocation, and his deep interest in his profession has led to the acquirement of broad knowledge and marked skill. He was born in Peoria, New York, August 10, 1877, a son of Charles and Alice S. (Rudgers) Cromwell, the latter of whom is deceased. His public school training was supplemented by study in Middlebury Academy, and in 1909 he was graduated from
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the medical department of the University of Buffalo. He was connected with the Buffalo General Hospital for fifteen months, and later was identified with the Ray- brook Tuberculosis Sanitarium. He practiced for two years in York, Livingston county, and then spent a year at the Iola Tuberculosis Sanitarium. From there he went to the Bowne Memorial Hospital at Poughkeepsie, New York, and also was en- gaged in private practice in Poughkeepsie.
Dr. Cromwell joined the New York National Guard and on June 16, 1916, at the time of the uprising along the Mexican border, he was called into active military service at Camp Whitman. He was sent to New York city to assist in organizing the Fourth Field Hospital and on November 10 was ordered to Texas. After reaching that state he was transferred to the Sixty-ninth New York Infantry and was a mem- ber of that famous regiment until February, 1917. He was then sent to Albany, New York, on recruiting service and remained in that city until June 24, when he was ordered to Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana. Three months later he went to Spartansburg with the Tenth New York Infantry, later being transferred to the Sixth Field Artillery. In May, 1918, Dr. Cromwell went overseas with this outfit and after the signing of the armistice was in command of the Base Hospital at Mes Ves Bulcey, also acting as camp surgeon at Gondrecourt, France. While at Is-sur-Tille he was attached to the Second Pioneer Infantry and subsequently spent three months at Coblenz, Germany, with the Army of Occupation. He remained in the service until October 31, 1919, advancing from the rank of lieutenant to that of major, and is now a major in the medical division of the Officers Reserve Corps. After completing his term of service Dr. Cromwell returned to his native state and has since been physician for the Retsof Mining Company. His military experience has been of great value to him and his professional activities have been followed by excellent results.
On December 25, 1902, Dr. Cromwell was married to Miss Mary J. Milligan of Peoria, New York, and they have two daughters: Mary M. and Alice Pauline, the latter of whom is fitting herself for the profession of nursing. The Doctor has at- tained the thirty-second degree in the Masonic order and is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is allied with the republican party and is health officer of the town of York. He belongs to Retsof Post of the American Legion and is a member of the Methodist church. With the trend of modern professional thought, research and investigation he keeps in close touch, and stands high in the esteem of his fellowmen.
GEORGE S. CRANDALL.
George S. Crandall, editor of The Star-Gazette of Elmira, has been identified with the newspaper business for a quarter of a century and is one of the best known journalists of Chemung county. He started at the bottom of the ladder and proven ability and fidelity to duty have carried him to the top. He is one of Elmira's native sons and was born December 17, 1880. His parents were George H. and Anna (Strachen) Crandall, the latter of whom died when he was born. The father was a native of Mansfield, Pennsylvania, and came to Elmira early in the '70s. He was a doormaker for the H. C. Spaulding Company and for many years was in the service of that firm. George S. of this review was the only child in the family.
The public school training of George S. Crandall was supplemented by a course in the Elmira Free Academy and after his education was completed he worked for a time under his father, at first making doors and later incubators. He devoted a year to that task and in July, 1898, entered the employ of The Evening Star. He first acted as errand boy and later was advanced to the composing room, in which he spent six months. In 1900 he was promoted to the editorial department and since 1918 has been editor of The Star-Gazette, one of the leading newspaper publications of this part of the state. He is a fluent, forceful writer and his editorials are timely and well worth the reading. He is well informed on matters of public moment and has at all times used his influence to further the best interests of his city and state.
On December 1, 1906, Mr. Crandall was married to Miss Alda Marae Wells, who was born in Athens, Pennsylvania, and completed her education in Elmira Academy. They have a family of two children: George Wells and Phyllis Marae, both of whom are attending the public schools. Mr. Crandall is a member of the North Presbyterian church and has served on its board of trustees. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity and has filled several offices in the order, being a past master of Ivy Lodge, No. 397, F. & A. M., and a past high priest of Elmira Chapter, No. 42, R. A. M. He belongs to Southern Tier Council, No. 16, R. & S. M .; St. Omer's Commandery,
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No. 19, K. T., and Ismailia Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Buffalo, New York. Mr. Crandall served several terms on the Masonic Temple board of trustees. He is a life member of the Masonic Club, of which he was secretary for twelve years, and during 1922 and 1923 was its president. He also belongs to the Kiwanis Club of Elmira and in 1922 was called to the office of president. He is usually a republican in politics. Mr. Crandall had the advantage of an early start in a profession which calls for alertness and talent, not absolute requisites in other vocations but highly essential in order to achieve success in the newspaper field. He is of the progressive type, both as a journalist and as a citizen, and champions every movement calculated to up- build the city and promote the growth of the surrounding district.
FRANK E. TRIPP.
It has been said that one who enters the field of journalism is never able to leave it, for there is a fascination in thus keeping in touch with the thought and activity of the world from which one cannot escape. This statement finds exemplification in the career of Frank E. Tripp, who has devoted his life to this line of work, and his activities in this connection have made him widely known in journalistic circles of the Empire state. He was born in Breesport, Chemung county, New York, February 21, 1882, and is a son of Edward C. and Malissa J. (Turk) Tripp, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Michigan. They were married in Chemung county and reside in Elmira. The father has been in the employ of the Lehigh Valley Rail- road for more than fifty years, forty-two years as a locomotive engineer. He has reached the age of eighty-two years and the mother has passed the seventy-second milestone on life's journey. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Frank E. Tripp is an only child. He completed his education in the Elmira schools and began his journalistic career as a newsboy, carrying the first issue of the Star. He worked his way steadily upward, gaining a thorough knowledge of every detail of the business, and for fourteen years was connected with the editorial department. Since 1916 Mr. Tripp has been identified with the operating end of the business and is now part owner, publisher and general manager of the Elmira Star-Gazette, Incor- porated, which publishes the Elmira Star-Gazette, the Morning Advertiser and The Sunday Telegram. They are carefully edited and have a large circulation, ranking with the leading newspapers of this section of the state. In 1921 Mr. Tripp purchased the interest of the late James F. Woodford in The Elmira Star-Gazette, Incorporated. This publishing institution is a part of the Empire state group of newspapers, owned and controlled by Frank E. Gannett of Rochester, Prentiss Bailey of Utica and Mr. Tripp. The group comprises, besides the three Elmira papers, the Rochester Times- Union, the Utica Observer-Dispatch, and the Ithaca Journal-News.
On June 18, 1904, Mr. Tripp was married to Miss Fanny B. Miller, a native of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, and they have two daughters: Mary, born July 24, 1907; and Nancy, born July 11, 1918. Mrs. Tripp is a Baptist in religious faith and Mr. Tripp is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a republican in politics and his fraternal connections are with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Masonic order. He is a member of Ivy Lodge, No. 397, F. & A. M .; Elmira Chapter, R. A. M .; St. Omer's Commandery, No. 19, K. T .; and Kalurah Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Binghamton, New York. He also belongs to the Elmira Rotary Club. Mr. Tripp has at all times exerted his influence to further the best interests of his city and state, but has diligently avoided any connection with politics.
REV. PATRICK J. SMYTH.
For the past eight years the Rev. Patrick J. Smyth has been pastor of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church at Livonia and his influence has been a beneficial factor for good in the community in which he labors. He was born August 19, 1872, in County Leitrim, Ireland, a son of John and Sarah (Lynch) Smyth, and for many generations the family lived in that country. The mother died in her native land and the father was the first of the family to settle in this state.
Patrick J. Smyth attended the national schools of County Leitrim until he reached the age of twelve, when the family came to the United States, continuing his studies in a parochial school of Auburn, New York. There he was graduated from high
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school and for about eight years worked in various capacities in Auburn. In 1896 he became a student in St. Andrew's Preparatory School, from which he was graduated in 1900, and then entered St. Bernard's Seminary. In 1905 he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop McQuaid and in January, 1906, was appointed assistant at St. Mary's church in Auburn, where he was stationed until June, 1913, when he was assigned to Catholic churches at Cato and Red Creek, New York. On September 15, 1915, he became the first resident pastor of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church at Livonia, which was set apart from the parish of St. Michael at Livonia Center in 1912. St. Joseph's church seats about three hundred and fifty people and the present parish contains over four hundred souls. In addition Father Smyth also has charge of St. William's church, a mission at Conesus, New York. He devotes his entire time to parish work and has made many repairs to St. Joseph's church and rectory. A man of fervent piety, he labors with consecrated zeal and devotion, and his efforts have been effective and resultant factors in promoting the spiritual welfare of those who have come under his guidance. In politics he is a democrat but not a strong partisan, being largely independent in his views, and his interest in the welfare of his com- munity is that of a broad-minded, public-spirited and loyal citizen, whose influence is at all times on the side of progress, reform and improvement. He is a sincere follower of the faith he preaches and his efforts have been fruitful of great good to the cause of Catholicism.
WILLIAM NORTHRUP BROCKWAY.
William Northrup Brockway is one of the best-known men in the motor truck trade of western New York and comes from a family that for more than fifty years has been prominently identified with the vehicle manufacturing industry in this state. The Brockway Motor Truck Company is the outgrowth of a business established on April 15, 1874, in Cortland, New York, by William N. Brockway, grandfather of the present William N. Brockway. The business, at its inception, was for the manufacture of buggies. The firm specialized in high-grade carriages and from a comparatively small production in the early years, became one of the largest carriage manufacturers in the world. In 1888 William N. Brockway, the founder of the business, died, and was succeeded by his only son, George A. Brockway, the father of William N. Brock- way. In 1913 George A. Brockway realized the advantages and unusual possibilities of the motor truck and organized the Brockway Motor Truck Corporation, of which he has since remained the executive head, the plant being located in Corning, New York. The first motor truck that was ever manufactured by the company is still in operation, and is owned by the Cortland Specialty Company, which uses it for distributing oils and gasoline throughout Cortland county. In many of the larger cities of the east the company maintains organized branches, which come into direct contact with the trade. These branches are under the jurisdiction of trained mana -. gers, who have been schooled at the Brockway factory and carry out Brockway policies to the letter. They have large sales and service stations, which assure the highest type of service possible. A large stock of parts is carried at each branch to provide quick service on every model. All mechanics are trained at the factory and under- stand the construction of the truck in every detail.
William Northrup Brockway, manager of the Rochester branch of the company, was born in Homer, New York, on the 17th of March, 1890, and received his education in the public schools of his native town, afterward becoming a cadet at the River- view Military Academy in Poughkeepsie, New York, from which he was graduated in 1907. He then entered the Brockway plant at Cortland, and applied himself to the task of mastering the details of the business. In March, 1919, he established a branch sales agency in Rochester and has since been its manager. He is aggressive, straight- forward and direct in his methods and has secured a large volume of business in this locality for the Brockway Motor Truck Corporation, of which he is one of the directors, and is also a member of the board of directors of Brockway, Incorporated.
In Homer. New York. on the 11th of June, 1913. Mr. Brockway was married to Miss Charlotte Cottrell. a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Cottrell of that citv. Mr. and Mrs. Brockway have a son: William N .. Jr .. born Januarv 6. 1920. in Roches- ter. During the World war Mr. Brockway enlisted at Syracuse, New York, and was commissioned a captain in the Aviation Corps. He is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is prominent in Masonry, serving as junior warden of his lodge, as master of the third veil in the chapter and as senior warden of the com- mandery, while in the consistory he has taken the thirty-second degree. He belongs
WILLIAM N. BROCKWAY
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to the Oak Hill Country Club, the Rochester Automobile Club, the Chamber of Com- merce, is president of the Rochester Motor Truck Dealers Association, and casts his ballot for the candidates of the republican party. He stands high in business circles of Rochester. Mr. Brockway's city residence is at No. 200 Culver road, and his summer home is "Lazy Lodge" on Lake Canandaigua.
THOMAS L. TOAN.
One of the best known of the younger members of the Rochester bar who have attained a position of prominence in their profession is Thomas L. Toan. He was born in Perry, New York, on the 17th of June, 1890, a son of Charles and Stella (Wylie) Toan, the latter also a native of that town. The father was a commission broker of Perry and always resided in the Empire state. He is survived by the mother. Of their family of five children four are living: Lewis, Carl, Mary and Thomas L.
Thomas L. Toan received his early education in the public schools of Perry, New York, and this was followed by a four-year course in Cornell University, which awarded him the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He received the degree of LL. B. in 1912 and after his admission to the bar began his professional career in Rochester, practicing until the United States entered the World war, when he enlisted for service and was assigned to the field artillery, going overseas with the Eighty-second Division and spending eighteen months in France. He returned to this country in 1919 and was sent to Camp Upton, where he was discharged from the service. He resumed his practice in Rochester and is now a member of the firm of Van Alstyne, Toan & Allen, his associates being George Van Alstyne and Don C. Allen. This is one of the promi- nent legal firms of Rochester and the list of their clients is both representative and extensive.
Mr. Toan is a member of Doty-McGill Post of the American Legion and in Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree and is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Rochester Bar Association and belongs to the Roches- ter Athletic Club and the Cornell Club of this city. Although not yet of middle age, Mr. Toan is accorded a most creditable standing among the successful lawyers of Rochester.
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